Pull tab design for stretch release adhesive

ABSTRACT

A stretch release adhesive is disclosed. The stretch release adhesive can be used for extracting an electrical component from an interior surface of a housing of a mobile computing device. The stretch release adhesive can have a double-sided adhesive body configured to adhere the component to the interior surface of the housing. A portion of the double-sided adhesive body is configured to extend out from between the electrical component and the interior surface of the housing to provide a graspable portion. When the stretch release adhesive is adhered between the electrical component and the internal surface of the housing, the stretch release adhesive can receive a pulling force at the graspable portion. If pulled with enough force, the stretch release adhesive will extend outwardly from between the electrical component and the internal surface of the mobile computing device, then completely release the electrical component from the mobile computing device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/254,809, filed Apr. 16, 2014, entitled “PULL TAB DESIGN FOR STRETCHRELEASE ADHESIVE,” which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/873,765, filed Sep. 4, 2013, entitled “PULL TABDESIGN FOR STRETCH RELEASE ADHESIVE,” the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to component removalapparatuses. More specifically, disclosed herein are component removalapparatuses that sufficiently secure a component within a portablecomputing device yet provide ease of removal for replacement orservicing.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturers continually strive to enhance the physical qualities ofportable computing devices so as to provide an excellent user experienceand keep an edge on their competitors. Notably, the widths and lengthsof most portable computing devices—such as smart phones and laptops—haverecently remained somewhat constant, because a threshold amount ofsurface area is required to provide a pleasant user experience (e.g.,for large user interfaces displayed on smart phones or physicalkeyboards of laptops). Other physical qualities of portable computingdevices, however—including thickness (i.e., height) and weight—cancontinue to be reduced to provide an increase in overall usersatisfaction. As a result, manufacturers are focused on developing newmaterials and designs that reduce the overall height and/or weight ofportable computing devices.

Presently, there are several factors that limit the potential reductionof height that can be applied to a portable computing device, e.g., asmart phone. In many cases, the most limiting factor is the batteryincluded in the smart phone, which remains somewhat large with respectto the overall volume of the smart phone. Notably, the battery must besecured within the smart phone such that the battery remains in place inthe event of a fall and does not damage other electronics includedwithin the smart phone. One popular battery-securing technique involvesapplying a relatively thick adhesive layer to the battery, but thislimits potential for reductions in height and can make it difficult toremove the battery for replacement or servicing. Moreover, whilemeasures to simply thin the adhesive layer would result in increasedpotential for height reduction, such measures would also compromise thestability of the battery within the portable computing device, which isunacceptable.

SUMMARY

This paper describes various embodiments that relate to componentremoval apparatuses to be used within computing devices. In oneembodiment, a stretch release adhesive is set forth for extracting acomponent that is secured to an interior surface of a housing. Thestretch release adhesive can include a double-sided adhesive bodyconfigured to adhere the component to the interior surface of thehousing. A portion of the double-sided adhesive body can be configuredto extend out from between the component and the interior surface of thehousing to provide a graspable portion. Additionally, the graspableportion can be configured to receive a removing force and transfer theremoving force to a plurality of leg portions of the double-sidedadhesive body. In this way, the plurality of leg portions can bedisposed between the component and the interior surface of the housing,enabling the component to be removed

In some embodiments, a method for producing a stretch release adhesiveconfigured to both secure a component to an interior surface of ahousing and to extract the component from the interior surface of thehousing. The method can include a step of placing a stretch releaseadhesive between the component and the interior surface of the housing.The stretch release adhesive can include a double-sided adhesive bodyhaving a plurality of leg portions, and a graspable portion extending ata distal end of the plurality of leg portions. According to the method,a pulling force applied to the graspable portion can cause the stretchrelease adhesive to bend in a manner that releases the component fromthe interior surface.

In yet another embodiment, a stretch release adhesive is set forthhaving a double-sided adhesive body configured to attach a battery to aninternal surface of a mobile computing device. The stretch releaseadhesive can include a plurality of legs tapered at a distal end of thestretch release adhesive. Further, the stretch release adhesive caninclude a gap between the plurality of legs that extends over a majorityof a length of the battery. A graspable portion can be configured on thestretch release adhesive to extend out from between the battery and theinternal surface of the mobile computing device. In this way, when thestretch release adhesive is adhered between the battery and the internalsurface of the mobile computing device, the stretch release adhesive canreceive a pulling force at the graspable portion. The pulling force cancause the stretch release adhesive to stretch outwardly from between thebattery and the internal surface of the mobile computing device, andrelease the battery from the mobile computing device without damagingthe battery.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings that illustrate, by way of example, the principlesof the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The described embodiments may be better understood by reference to thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings. Additionally,advantages of the described embodiments may be better understood byreference to the following description and accompanying drawings. Thesedrawings do not limit any changes in form and detail that may be made tothe described embodiments. Any such changes do not depart from thespirit and scope of the described embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate exploded views of a pull tab component removalapparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate birds-eye perspective views of the pull tabcomponent removal apparatus of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate cross-sectional perspective views of the pull tabcomponent removal apparatus of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate conceptual diagrams of a removal apparatusconfigured operate with the pull tab component removal apparatus ofFIGS. 1A-1B, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for configuring the pull tab componentremoval apparatus of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative applications of methods and apparatus, according to thepresent application, are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of thedescribed embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in theart that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or allof these specific details. In other instances, well known process stepshave not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible,such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may bemade, without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

As set forth above, one common technique for securing a component (e.g.,a battery) within a computing device involves using an adhesive layer.When the component needs to be removed from the computing device,service technicians are required to pry the component away from thehousing of the computing device, which can damage the component and/orhousing. One technique that can be used to help mitigate this probleminvolves using a pull tab that facilitates a removal of the adhesivelayer from between the component and the housing. Accordingly, theinvention sets forth a pull tab component removal apparatus used forextracting a component secured to an interior surface of a housing by anadhesive layer. The pull tab component removal apparatus includes astretch-release adhesive that is placed between the component and thehousing, and is designed to facilitate removal of the stretch-releaseadhesive by providing a means (i.e., the pull tab) by which to grip thestretch-release adhesive and pull it without tearing it through thecreation of stress concentrations.

The pull tab component removal apparatus includes at least three mainfeatures that provide the aforementioned benefits, which include a loopfeature, a fold feature, and a double-sided adhesive layer that isbifurcated into at least two “legs.” Specifically, the loop is a smallhole in the pull tab that allows the pull tab to be retrieved andunfolded when the pull tab is incorporated into the housing and foldedinto a tight space (e.g., to conserve space within the housing). Byengaging the loop, the pull tab can be lifted out of the housing past anupper plane of the component as the fold comes undone, enabling theentire width of the pull tab to be gripped. Notably, gripping the entirewidth of the pull tab prevents local stress concentrations and increasesthe likelihood that the double-sided adhesive layer can be removedwithout tearing. The double-sided adhesive layer ensures that force isbeing applied to two discreet, narrow strips rather than one wide one.This allows the double-sided adhesive layer to neck or stretch more asthe pulling force is applied, which reduces the surface area that isaffected by pulling on the pull tab.

Notably, the pull tab component removal apparatus can be complementedwith a variety of components that assist in the removal process of thedouble-sided adhesive layer. For example, the device housing can includea component—such as an “arm” that is a part of the device housing—thatis positioned and shaped such that, when the graspable portion of thedouble-sided adhesive layer is pulled on, the arm substantially reducesthe amount of friction that is placed against the internal component asthe double-sided adhesive layer unfurls. More specifically, the sharpedge prevents the double-sided adhesive layer from lifting upward andcontacting the bottom edge of the internal component, which can helpreduce the likelihood of damage being made to the internal componentduring a removal process (e.g., a battery bending). In another example,the device housing can be placed into an apparatus that is configured tosecure the device housing and lower a sharp edge (e.g., a blade) alongthe internal component where the pull tab is placed. The pull tab canthen be pulled on while the device housing and blade remain in a fixedposition, which provides the same benefits of friction reductiondescribed herein during the removal process.

According to one embodiment, a pull tab component removal apparatus caninclude at least two leg portions, and, in some configurations, each legportion can taper at the same end. The pull tab component removalapparatus can further include a graspable portion that runs parallel tothe two leg portions and is joined with the two leg portions.Specifically, this graspable portion extends out from between thecomponent and the housing of the device, and enables a servicetechnician or a component of an apparatus to firmly and uniformly gripthe graspable portion and apply force to remove the adhesive layer. Inparticular, when the force is applied in a direction parallel to thebonding plane provided by the adhesive layer, substantially uniformforce is exerted on each leg via the graspable portion. As a result,each leg furls and eliminates the bond provided by the adhesive layer.In this manner, the adhesive layer can be removed from between thecomponent and the housing, and the component can be freed from thehousing.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4; however, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that the detailed description given herein withrespect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should notbe construed as limiting. It is noted that the elements illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4 are not drawn to scale, nor do theyrepresent dimensions that are relative to one another. In contrast, theelements can be of any dimension without departing from the scope of theinvention.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate exploded views of a pull tab component removalapparatus 101, according to one embodiment of the invention. Inparticular, FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view 100 of the pull tabcomponent removal apparatus 101 after being manufactured, and prior tobeing installed into a housing of a device. As shown, the pull tabcomponent removal apparatus 101 includes a bottom release liner 104, abottom pull tab liner 106, a double-sided adhesive layer 108, a top pulltab liner 110, and a peel-away top release liner 112. As described ingreater detail below, the pull tab component removal apparatus 101 isconfigured such that, when being used to secure a component within thehousing of the device, a technician removes the bottom release liner 104and the top release liner 112 to expose the double-sided adhesive layer108. Thereafter, a first side (i.e., top) of the double-sided adhesivelayer 108 can be adhered to a surface within the housing of the device,and a second side (i.e., bottom) of the double-sided adhesive layer 108can be adhered to a component that is included in the housing of thedevice to thereby secure the component within the housing of the device.Notably, the pull tab liners 106/110 can remain in place when both thetop release liner 112 and the bottom release liner 104 are removed fromthe double-sided adhesive layer 108. The pull tab liners 106/110 providea graspable, non-sticky surface that extends out from between thecomponent and the housing of the device, and enables the double-sidedadhesive layer 108 to be subsequently removed when necessary (e.g., whena component swap-out is required). In particular, the pull tab liners106/110, when grasped and pulled on in a direction that is parallel tothe bonding plane provided by the double-sided adhesive layer 108, causeeach leg of the double-sided adhesive layer 108 to furl, whicheliminates the bond between the component and the housing of the deviceand enables the component to be removed.

Notably, the elements included in the pull tab component removalapparatus 101 can be manufactured according to a variety of techniquesand composed using a variety of materials. For example, the bottom pulltab liner 106 and the top pull tab liner 110 can be manufactured usingsiliconized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a thickness of 0.025millimeters (MM)±0.005 MM. Similarly, the bottom release liner 104 andthe top release liner 112 can also be manufactured using siliconized PETwith thicknesses of 0.05 MM±0.01 MM and 0.10 MM±0.01 MM, respectively.The double-sided adhesive layer 108 can be manufactured using anyadhesive material with properties that are suitable to enable the pulltab component removal apparatus 101 to function according to the varioustechniques described herein. For example, a synthetic rubber adhesive(e.g., TESA® Adhesive 70415) can be used, with a thickness of 0.15MM±0.01 MM.

The dimensions of the double-sided adhesive layer 108, bottom pull tabliner 106, top pull tab liner 110, and graspable portion can varydepending on the embodiment and application. The dimensions can beconfigured such that a ratio between the width of the double-sidedadhesive layer 108 and width of the graspable portion allows thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 to be removed from a component withouttearing the double-sided adhesive layer 108. In some embodiments, thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 has a width that is equal to or lessthan the width of the graspable portion. In this way, any pulling forcereceived at the graspable portion can be adequately distributed to thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 in a manner that mitigates tearing ofthe double-sided adhesive layer 108 during the release of a component.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view 150 of the double-sided adhesivelayer 108 when used to secure an internal component 114 within a devicehousing 102. As shown in FIG. 1B, each of the bottom release liner 104and the top release liner 112 are removed from the double-sided adhesivelayer 108, while both the bottom pull tab liner 106 and the top pull tabliner 110 remain adhered to the double-sided adhesive layer 108. Aspreviously noted above, the bottom pull tab liner 106 and the top pulltab liner 110 remain so that a technician can grip an insulated (i.e.,non-sticky) portion of the double-sided adhesive layer 108 that extendsout from between the device housing 102 and the internal component 114.In this way, the technician can pull on (i.e., stretch) the double-sidedadhesive layer 108 in a direction that is substantially parallel to theplane of adhesion to gradually disrupt the adhesion and enable theinternal component 114 to be removed from the device housing 102. Thosehaving skill in the art will understand that the graspable portion ofthe double-sided adhesive layer 108 (i.e., the pull tab liners 106/110)is not limited to a single side of the device housing 102 as illustratedin FIG. 1B and can be oriented such that the internal component 114 canbe removed from the device in any direction that is most convenient withrespect to how other components are configured within the device.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate birds-eye perspective views of the pull tabcomponent removal apparatus 101 of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to oneembodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates abirds-eye perspective view 200 of the top of the double-sided adhesivelayer 108, where the top pull tab liner 110 and the top release liner112 are excluded from the birds-eye perspective view 200. As shown inthe birds-eye perspective view 200, and according to one embodiment, thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 is uniquely shaped to include twoseparate leg portions that each taper at one end of the double-sidedadhesive layer 108. The tapered shape of the separate leg portions (or asingle leg, in some embodiments) allows for a release force to decreaseas the double-sided adhesive layer 108 is being pulled and released froma component. The decrease in release force ensures that the leg portionswill not tear or rip when releasing the double-sided adhesive layer 108from the component. It is noted that the embodiments are not limited totwo leg portions, and that other numbers of leg portions (e.g., one leg,three legs, four legs) are considered and can be used to provide thesame or similar benefits discussed herein. As described above, the legsof the double-sided adhesive layer 108 furl when removing force isapplied to the graspable portion of the double-sided adhesive layer 108,which eliminates the bond between the internal component 114 and thedevice housing 102 and enables the internal component 114 to be removed.The double-sided adhesive layer 108 further includes the through-hole111, which, although not specifically required by the embodimentsdescribed herein, beneficially provide a loop that can be grasped toenable the double-sided adhesive layer 108 to be retrieved from betweenthe internal component 114 and the device housing 102. Once retrieved,the graspable portion is exposed and can be grasped by a technician oran apparatus configured to extract the double-sided adhesive layer 108.

FIG. 2A also illustrates a birds-eye perspective view 210 of the top ofthe double-sided adhesive layer 108, which, as shown, includes the toppull tab liner 110. Notably, the birds-eye perspective view 210highlights a bend that can be included in the top pull tab liner 110 toenable the lower portion of the double-sided adhesive layer 108 to befolded between a space that exists between one side of the internalcomponent 114 and other components included in the device housing 102,an example of which is illustrated in clearer detail in FIGS. 3A-3B. Thebend can be established according to a variety of techniques, includingpre-folding the top pull tab liner 110, partially slicing into the toppull tab liner 110, or perforating the top pull tab liner 110. In someembodiments, the double-sided adhesive layer 108 can also bemanufactured to include a bend at an area to match the bend establishedin the top pull tab liner 110 using the same techniques described above.Similarly, although not illustrated in FIG. 2A, the bottom pull tabliner 106 can be manufactured to include a bend at an area to match thebend established in the top pull tab liner 110 using the same techniquesdescribed above. In this manner, the double-sided adhesive layer 108—andthe pull tab liners 106/110, which remain adhered to the double-sidedadhesive layer 108 when installed into the device housing 102—can bendsubstantially beyond a ninety degree angle and allow the lower portionof the double-sided adhesive layer 108 that extends out from between theinternal component 114 and the device housing 102 to be folded andtucked-in. In this manner, space can be conserved within the devicehousing 102 while continuing to enable the double-sided adhesive layer108 (and the pull tab liners 106/110 adhered thereto) to be unfolded inorder to provide a graspable surface to remove the double-sided adhesivelayer 108.

FIG. 2A additionally illustrates a birds-eye perspective view 220 of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108. In particular, the birds-eyeperspective view 220 illustrates the top release liner 112, which, asshown, covers the majority of the surface area of the top of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 and terminates along the area that iscovered by the top pull tab liner 110. Although not illustrated in thebirds-eye perspective view 220, the bottom release liner 104 covers themajority of the surface area of the bottom of the double-sided adhesivelayer 108, however a particular portion of the bottom release liner 104is insulated from the double-sided adhesive layer 108 by way of thebottom pull tab liner 106. It is additionally noted that, while aspecific shape for the double-sided adhesive layer 108 (and the linersincluded therewith) is shown throughout the figures and describedherein, embodiments of the invention encompass any shape that providesthe functionality and features described herein (i.e., where thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 furls when pulled on at an anglesubstantially parallel to the bonding plane provided by the double-sidedadhesive layer 108).

FIG. 2B illustrates additional birds-eye perspective views of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108. In particular, a birds-eye perspectiveview 230 illustrates both the bottom release liner 104 and thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108. It is noted that the bottom releaseliner 104 is not required to extend beyond the surface area of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108. FIG. 2B further illustrates a birds-eyeperspective view 240 of the double-sided adhesive layer 108. Inparticular, the birds-eye perspective view 240 illustrates the manner inwhich the double-sided adhesive layer 108 adheres the internal component114 to the device housing 102, at least according to one embodiment ofthe invention. As shown in the birds-eye perspective view 250, thedevice housing 102 can include an internal component 201 that isdisposed within the device housing 102 such that a gap exists betweenthe internal component 114 and the internal component 201. Inparticular, the portion of the double-sided adhesive layer 108 thatextends out from between the device housing 102 and the internalcomponent 114 can be unfolded (as illustrated in the birds-eyeperspective view 240) and graspable, or folded (as illustrated in thebirds-eye perspective view 250) and tucked-in between the aforementionedgap that exists between the internal component 114 and the internalcomponent 201.

Notably, the double-sided adhesive layer 108 can be positioned relativeto the internal component 114 such that, given the shape of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108, a “mouse hole” is established, anexample of which illustrated in FIG. 2B as the mouse hole 206. Inparticular, the mouse hole 206 provides the benefit of assisting inestablishing substantially uniform force to each of the legs of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 when force is applied to the graspableportion (i.e., the pull tab liners 106/110) of the double-sided adhesivelayer 108. This substantially uniform force eases the removal of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 from between the internal component 114and the device housing 102, and helps prevent tearing that mightotherwise occur if no mouse hole is present. A notch in the pull tabliners 106/110 can be incorporated as a failsafe such that ifdouble-sided adhesive layer 108 does not release after a certain amountof pulling force is applied, the pull tab can breakaway at the notch. Inthis way, double-sided adhesive layer 108 will be more inclined to ripat the notch when there is no release from the double-sided adhesivelayer 108, rather than ripping through the double-sided adhesive layer108.

As described in greater detail below, in some embodiments, the internalcomponent 201 can be positioned and shaped such that, when the graspableportion (i.e., the pull tab liners 106/110) of the double-sided adhesivelayer 108 is pulled on, the internal component 201 substantially reducesthe amount of friction that is placed against the internal component 114as the double-sided adhesive layer 108 unfurls. In particular, andaccording to one embodiment, the internal component 201 can include asharp edge that lies parallel to the bottom portion of the internalcomponent 114 and perpendicular to the direction in which thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 is pulled on during the removal process.According to this configuration, the sharp edge prevents thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 from lifting upward and contacting thebottom edge of the internal component 114, which can help reduce thelikelihood of damage being made to the internal component 114 during aremoval process (e.g., a battery bending). As a result, the overallyield of removed and reusable internal components can be increased,which can enable both the manufacturer of the device housing 102 and/orrepair technicians to provide better service to their customers.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate cross-sectional perspective views of the pull tabcomponent removal apparatus 101 of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to oneembodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 3A includescross-sectional perspective views 302, 304, and 306, which sequentiallyrepresent a process for removing the internal component 114 from thedevice housing 102 when no friction-reducing edge (e.g., the internalcomponent 201) is included. Perspective view 302 includes the devicehousing 102, the double-sided adhesive layer 108, the internal component114, the pull tab liners 106/110, and an optional internal component318. As shown in the cross-sectional perspective view 302, thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 adheres the internal component 114 tothe device housing 102, where a portion of the double-sided adhesivelayer 108 (and the pull tab liners 106/110) extends out from between theinternal component 114 and the device housing 102 and is configured in afolded position. It is noted that protruding portion of the double-sidedadhesive layer 108 is not limited to being folded only a single time,and that any number of folds can exist to enable the extended portion ofthe double-sided adhesive layer 108 to fit within different sized spaceswithin the device housing 102.

FIG. 3A also illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view 304, wherethe portion of the double-sided adhesive layer 108 (and the pull tabliners 106/110) that extends out from between the internal component 114and the device housing 102 is configured in an unfolded position. Asmentioned above, the double-sided adhesive layer 108 (and the pull tabliners 106/110) can include through holes 111 to assist in the unfoldingprocess when the space that exists between the internal component 114and the internal component 318 requires the protruding portion of thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 (and the pull tab liners 106/110) to betightly folded/packed (and therefore is hard to unfold). Once unfolded(as illustrated in the cross-sectional perspective view 304), thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 can be gripped via the pull tab liners106/110 and pulled on to cause the double-sided adhesive layer 108 tounfurl between the internal component 114 and the device housing 102.Notably, and as previously set forth herein, some friction can beestablished against the bottom rightmost portion of the internalcomponent 114 (relative to FIG. 3A and represented by friction area305), and can depend largely on the angle at which the double-sidedadhesive layer 108 is pulled on relative to the bonding plane providedby the double-sided adhesive layer 108. For example, pulling thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 at a forty-five degree angle to thebonding plane will establish greater friction than, say, pulling thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 at a ten degree angle to the bondingplane. In that regard, it is best practice to minimize the angle atwhich the double-sided adhesive layer 108 is pulled on with respect tothe bonding plane. Once completely removed, as represented by thecross-sectional perspective view 306, the internal component 114 can belifted out from the device housing 102, where servicing or replacementof the internal component 114 can be carried out. Subsequently, areplacement pull tab component removal apparatus 101 can be used tosecure the serviced or replacement internal component 114 back into thedevice housing 102 according to the techniques described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1A-1B.

In addition, FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view ofthe pull tab component removal apparatus 101 of FIGS. 1A-1B, accordingto another embodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 3B includescross-sectional perspective views 308, 310, and 312, which sequentiallyrepresent a process for removing the internal component 114 from thedevice housing 102 when a friction-reducing edge is included. As shownin FIG. 3B, perspective view 308 includes the device housing 102, thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108, the internal component 114, the pulltab liners 106/110, and an optional internal component 318. As shown inthe cross-sectional perspective view 308, the double-sided adhesivelayer 108 adheres the internal component 114 to the device housing 102,where a portion of the double-sided adhesive layer 108 (and the pull tabliners 106/110) extends out from between the internal component 114 andthe device housing 102 and is configured in a folded position. Alsoshown in the cross-sectional perspective view 308 is an edge 320, which,in one embodiment, represents at least a portion of the internalcomponent 201 illustrated in FIG. 2B and described above. Alternatively,the edge 320 can represent a “cap” or “shield” that is attached to theinternal component 114 in order to strengthen its rigidity and reducethe amount of friction that occurs against the bottom rightmost edge(relative to FIG. 3B) of the internal component 114. Notably, and asdescribed above, this can help prevent damage (e.g., bending) fromoccurring to the internal component 114, which increases the likelihoodthat the internal component 114 can be repaired or salvaged after beingremoved from the device housing 102. This is especially importantconsidering the high cost and sensitivity of parts that are commonlybeing included in devices, e.g., batteries, memories, circuit boards,and the like.

FIG. 3B also illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view 310, wherethe portion of the double-sided adhesive layer 108 (and the pull tabliners 106/110) that extends out from between the internal component 114and the device housing 102 is configured in an unfolded position.Notably, with the edge 320 in place, the amount of friction against thebottom rightmost portion of the internal component 114 (relative to FIG.3B) is reduced, which is represented by reduced friction area 311-1.Instead, the friction is at least partially transferred to the edge 320,which is represented by friction area 311-2, and, as described above,can provide the benefit of reducing the overall stress made to theinternal component 114 during the removal process. Once unfolded (asillustrated in the cross-sectional perspective view 310), thedouble-sided adhesive layer 108 can be gripped via the pull tab liners106/110 and pulled on to cause the double-sided adhesive layer 108 tounfurl between the internal component 114 and the device housing 102.Once completely removed, as represented by the cross-sectionalperspective view 312, the internal component 114 can be lifted out fromthe device housing 102, where servicing or replacement of the internalcomponent 114 can be carried out.

In some embodiments it may be desirable to pull the graspable portion ofthe double-sided adhesive layer 108 in a direction other than an optimalpull direction (e.g., parallel to the double-sided adhesive layer) forreleasing the double-sided adhesive layer 108 from a component. Tofacilitate a modified pull direction, as discussed further herein, astructure or mechanism fixed to the base of a component holding devicecan be used to redirect the pulling force. Examples of possibleimplementations for such a structure can include a blade structure(preferably one coated in or comprised of a low surface energymaterial), a low friction material, or a roller structure. Embodimentsof the component holding device (also referred to as a removalapparatus) are set forth in FIGS. 4A-4E.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate conceptual diagrams of a removal apparatus 400configured operate with the pull tab component removal apparatus ofFIGS. 1A-1B, according to one embodiment of the invention. Notably, theremoval apparatus 400 can be used when internal components of the devicehousing 102 are not included to provide a friction-reducing edge. Asshown in FIG. 4A, the removal apparatus 400 includes a platform 402,rails 404, a nest 406, and rollers 414. As indicated by the illustrationin FIG. 4A, the nest 406 is configured to support and lock-in place thedevice housing 102 and to move about the platform 402 via the rails 404.The nest 406 includes a door 408 that is hinged to cover the nest 406when not in an open/lifted position. The door 408 includes both a window410 and a blade 412, where the window 410 enables the blade 412 to beproperly positioned over the pull tabs 106/110 when preparing to removethe internal component 114 from the device housing 102. The blade androllers can be implemented using a variety of materials (e.g., Teflon)and shapes, including any suitable low friction material and/or coating.Additionally, the roller 414 can facilitate a change in direction of apulling force that removes the double-sided adhesive layer 108 fromdevice housing 102. Moreover, the roller 414 can be used as a mechanismto collect materials (e.g., adhesives, liners, etc.) during a componentremoval process, alone or in combination with other mechanical devicesfor collecting and directing materials (e.g., a gutter, guide, blade,etc.). Notably, in FIG. 4A, the pull tabs 106/110 are configured in afolded position and tucked between the internal component 114 and theinternal component 201, as previously discussed herein, and, in FIG. 4B,the pull tabs 106/110 are configured in an unfolded position. Again, theloop provided by the through-holes 111 can be used to provide a loopthat enables the pull tabs 106/110 to be grasped and unfolded.

FIG. 4C shows the removal apparatus 400 with the door 408 in a closedposition over the device housing 102, where the unfolded pull tabs106/110 extend out through the window 410. Notably, the blade 412 ispositioned substantially close to the internal component 114 in order toreduce the amount of friction that occurs against the internal component114 as the double-sided adhesive layer 108 is being removed. Once theblade 412 is positioned properly and locked into place, the nest 406 canbe moved along the platform 402 via the rails 404 until the roller isproperly positioned over the pull tabs 106/110, as shown in FIG. 4D. Thenest 406 is then locked into place along the rails 404, whereupon thepull tabs 106/110 can be grasped and pulled on (e.g., by a technicianusing a tool) in a direction that is substantially parallel to thebonding plane provided by the double-sided adhesive layer 108, as shownin FIG. 4E. Notably, and although not illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4E, theremoval apparatus 400 can include additional components that areconfigured to grip the pull tabs 106/110 and to pull them at acontrolled rate to remove the double-sided adhesive layer 108.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for manufacturing and utilizing the pulltab component removal apparatus 101 of FIGS. 1A-1B, according to oneembodiment of the invention. As shown, the method 500 begins at step502, which involves manufacturing the pull tab component removalapparatus 101 (e.g., according to the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B).Step 504 involves disposing the pull tab (i.e., the double-sidedadhesive layer 108 and the pull tab liners 106/110) between thecomponent (e.g., the internal component 114) and the housing of thecomputing device (e.g., the device housing 102). Step 506 involvesapplying pressure to the component and/or housing such that thecomponent and the housing are adhered to one another, e.g., asillustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B. Finally, step 508 involves folding agraspable portion of the pull tab that extends out from between thecomponent and the housing, which, as described herein, enables thegraspable portion of the pull tab to be hidden away and unfolded lateron when removal of the component is required.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed steps and embodiments can also be embodied as computerreadable code on a computer readable medium for controllingmanufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computerreadable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computerreadable medium is any data storage device that can store data which canthereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computerreadable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs,HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. Thecomputer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupledcomputer systems so that the computer readable code is stored andexecuted in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

1. A portable electronic device, comprising: a housing defining aninternal cavity; and a component housed within the internal cavity, thecomponent coupled to a surface within the internal cavity by a stretchrelease adhesive member, the stretch release adhesive member including:a double-sided adhesive body configured to adhere the component to thesurface and configured to stretch when a pulling force is appliedthereto, and a graspable portion configured to accept the pulling forcesuch that the graspable portion extends away the from the double-sidedadhesive body in a non-parallel direction relative to the double-sidedadhesive body when the pulling force is applied.
 2. The portableelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the double-sided adhesive bodyincludes at least two leg portions at least partially separated by agap.
 3. The portable electronic device of claim 2, wherein the two legportions provides substantially uniform distribution of the pullingforce to the two leg portions.
 4. The portable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is a portable telephoneor laptop computing device.
 5. The portable electronic device of claim1, wherein the component is a first component and is positioned adjacenta second component housed within the housing, wherein the graspableportion is configured to fold within a space between the first componentand the second component.
 6. The portable electronic device of claim 5,wherein the graspable portion includes a through-hole configured toassist unfolding of the graspable portion when the pulling force isapplied thereto.
 7. The portable electronic device of claim 6, furthercomprising a pull tab liner disposed over the graspable portion, whereinthe pull tab liner includes a liner hole that at least partiallyoverlaps with the through-hole.
 8. A portable electronic device,comprising: a component housed within an enclosure of the portableelectronic device; and a stretch release adhesive member coupling thecomponent to the enclosure, the stretch release adhesive memberincluding: a double-sided adhesive body configured to adhere thecomponent to a surface within the enclosure, wherein the double-sidedadhesive body is configured to stretch when a pulling force is appliedthereto, wherein the double-sided adhesive body includes two legportions at least partially separated by a gap, and a graspable portionconfigured to accept the pulling force.
 9. The portable electronicdevice of claim 8, wherein the gap extends across a majority of a lengthof the two leg portions.
 10. The portable electronic device of claim 8,wherein the graspable portion comprises a non-adhesive surface.
 11. Theportable electronic device of claim 8, wherein the graspable portion isconfigured to fold when the pulling force is not applied and unfold whenthe pulling force is applied.
 12. The portable electronic device ofclaim 8, wherein the graspable portion includes a through-hole.
 13. Theportable electronic device of claim 8, wherein the two leg portionsextend across a majority of a length of a surface of the component. 14.The portable electronic device of claim 8, wherein the componentincludes at least one of a battery, a memory or a circuit board.
 15. Amethod for assembling a portable electronic device, the methodcomprising: coupling a component to an enclosure for the portableelectronic device using a stretch release adhesive member, the stretchrelease adhesive member including: a double-sided adhesive body thatadheres the component to a surface within the enclosure and configuredto stretch when a pulling force is applied thereto, and a graspableportion configured to accept the pulling force such that the graspableportion extends away the from the double-sided adhesive body in anon-parallel direction relative to the double-sided adhesive body whenthe pulling force is applied.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereincoupling the component to the enclosure comprises removing a liner fromtwo sides of the double-sided adhesive body before placing the stretchrelease adhesive member between the component and the surface within theenclosure.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein placing the stretchrelease adhesive member between the component and the surface within theenclosure comprises extending the double-sided adhesive body over amajority of a surface of the component.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein the pulling force is directed by a structure that is coupled toa platform on which the component is secured.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein the structure is a roller structure.
 20. The method of claim18, wherein the structure is a blade structure.